The new and improved Cockburn's vintage port has taken inspiration from the past as part of its re-launch.

Symington Family Estates bought the famous brands in 2010, returning to family ownership nearly 40 years after it was sold to Harvey's of Bristol.

The new owners and immediately set about redefining the brand, even down to the taste of the fortified wine itself, according to Harpers Wine and Spirit Trades Review.

As a result, a new bottle based on the classic one used in the 1970s has been created by London agency Bloom.

Inside the bottle, Cockburn's has been careful to preserve the features that have made it a respected name in the world of vintage port.

The striking full-bodied palate and dry finish remain, but this has been enhanced with more "profound" fruit flavours and, Symington claims, better overall structure.

One feature that has not been tampered with is the traditional way in which the wine is aged.

The distinctive taste of Cockburn's Special Reserve is created as it ages in seasoned oak vats, the additional maturity in the wood making the fortified wine distinctive from its rivals.

Paul Symington, joint managing director of the firm, explained: "We are committed to reviving the fortunes of this iconic port brand by restoring the quality that was the hallmark of its heyday.

"Cockburn's has gone back to its roots in the Douro vineyards."

The brand's new range includes Cockburn's Special Reserve, Late Bottled Vintage, Ten and 20-Year-Old Tawny, Quinta dos Canais, Vintage Port and Ruby, Tawny and White.

The vineyard was first established back in 1815 by Scotsman Robert Cockburn, after he had visited the Douro serving under Wellington during the Napoleonic Wars.

It now owns more vineyard space than any other brand in the region.